|  | Conditions Treatments | Skin Conditions

Ultraviolet Phototherapy

Ultraviolet phototherapy uses specific wavelengths of light to treat various skin conditions. The wavelengths of light already occur naturally as a component of sunlight. Phototherapy devices can only be used and obtained through prescriptions in the United States.

  1. Treatments for Skin Conditions

    • Ultraviolet phototherapy uses wavelengths to treat psoriasis, mycosis fungoides and eczema. The University of Vienna Medical School noted that phototherapy narrowband UVB rays were effective at treating psoriasis. The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology stated that phototherapy was a therapeutic option to treat mycosis fungoides, a rare skin cancer, and UVA proved highly effective in patients with severe atopic dermatitis, or eczema.

    History

    • UV phototherapy was recognized by the medical community as early as 1925, when it was first used to treat psoriasis patients. Devices used to produce artificial UV light to treat skin conditions have been used for over 85 years. Today, you will find that most major cities contain a phototherapy clinic.

    UV Phototherapy Safety

    • Repeated exposure to ultraviolet light can cause premature aging of the skin and possible skin cancer. However, phototherapy is still one of the best treatment options for skin maladies when compared to strong prescription drugs and other treatment choices.

Skin Conditions - Related Articles